Resilience and The Art of Letting Go with Cory Richards | EP5

In this episode of What’s the Rusch, Rebecca sits down with world-renowned photographer, adventurer, mental health advocate, and storyteller Cory Richards for an unfiltered conversation about resilience, identity, and the power of letting go.Cory has been on the highest peaks in the world and captured some of the most breathtaking images. But his greatest expedition has been the journey within. From surviving an avalanche to navigating childhood trauma, bipolar disorder, and personal loss, Cory has spent his life confronting the depths of the human experience and outlines them in his stunning book, The Color of Everything.Together, we discuss the difference between survival and true resilience, why crisis can be the greatest catalyst for transformation, and how leaning into discomfort often leads to the biggest breakthroughs. Cory opens up about identity shifts, the weight of expectations, and redefining his purpose. This conversation is an invitation to examine the stories we tell ourselves, to strip away the labels that no longer serve us, and to embrace the messy, beautiful process of becoming.Transformative InsightsTrue resilience comes from releasing instead of holding onCrisis as a catalyst for growthThe difference between survival and resilienceDefining purpose internally versus externallyVulnerable MomentsCory opens up about his lifelong journey with mental health, including his bipolar diagnosis and childhood struggles.He shares the emotional toll of recently losing his father and navigating identity shiftsCory discusses the importance of the intentional community he has built and the deep gratitude he feels for those people.Practical WisdomLeaning into curiosity as a directional toolReframing trauma as a teacher Embracing and cultivating the power of community The practice of Imago therapy in communication and relationshipDaily acts of giving and kindnessPersonal GrowthCory’s evolving identity and current purpose: to connect people to themselvesCory’s journey of learning to trust, rather than thrust, his way forward.Letting go of old survival scripts and developing new resilience toolsViewing pain and hardship with gratitude for their lessonsRoadmap for resilience: agency, endurance, curiosity, and adaptationLinksCORY RICHARDS Website"The Color of Everything" - by Cory RichardsSupport What's the Rusch: Love the show? Write us a review!Rebecca Rusch LinksWebsite Blood Road Brain Storm Podcast Ted Talk Be Good Foundation Social Media LinksInstagram Facebook LinkedIn Substack YouTube

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What’s the Rusch is a podcast about finding stillness and shedding the armor we wear to reveal the masterpiece within. Hosted by Rebecca Rusch—a seven-time world champion, Hall of Fame athlete, celebrated endurance icon, Emmy winner, and founder of the Athlete Operating System—the show takes listeners on a transformative journey with some of the world’s most accomplished individuals. Known as the "Queen of Pain" for her unmatched grit, Rebecca shifts the spotlight to a deeper truth: the most profound growth often comes not from what we achieve, but from what we let go of.    Inspired by Michelangelo’s insight in creating the statue of David by chiseling away everything that wasn’t David, Rebecca champions the art of shedding: shedding fear, baggage, and the armor we build to protect ourselves. Each episode delves behind the scenes of high achievers, exploring what they’ve had to lose to become whole. What identities have they outgrown? What vulnerabilities have unlocked their greatest triumphs? And what lessons can we take from their private battles to shed what no longer serves us?   With conversations navigating ancient wisdom, modern science, and personal revelation, What’s the Rusch redefines the boxes we’re put in, revealing the hidden versions of who people are and the powerful truths they carry. Rebecca’s own path—marked by extreme challenges and moments of vulnerability—sets the tone for uncovering the humanity behind the headlines.   This is more than a podcast—it’s an explorer’s guide to becoming your own masterpiece by pausing and removing everything that isn’t you. Through the stories of leaders you know and the truths you don’t, What’s the Rusch invites you to embrace the courage to shed your armor, redefine your identity, and navigate your own extraordinary and adventurous path.